Introduction - British BA Hons Sports Journalism graduate

Since graduating last year there has been very few opportunities available in the UK and I've been resigned to freelancing. There's very rarely such specific roles as trainee sports reporters and while employers are looking for journalists with say 2/3 years experience at a paper there's no opportunity for graduates like myself to gain such experience.
My aim has always been to learn my trade here and eventually make the move across the pond to further my career.

I was wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience in the US/UK? Any advice for pursuing a career in America would also be appreciated.

Never worked in journalism in Britain, but I will say over here the job market is as tough as you make it appear there.

Then there are issues with getting visas and work permits to actually work over here. I arrived here as the spouse of an American, so never had to deal with a potential employer who had to help me out with those things.

Your best bet might be to see if there's a way you can come over here as a student, and become naturalized that way, but the fees you have to pay to apply for residence can be pretty exorbitant as well.

Did you write for any newspapers as sort of an apprenticeship over there? I can't speak for other hiring managers, especially in a foreign country, but I know I evaluate clips (published stories) closely when I consider someone for an entry level reporting position.

If you didn't, you're in a difficult position. If you did, you can use your clips as part of a package that can help you get an entry level position. It may not be The Times, but most people here don't go straight from university to a prominent beat at a major paper.

I have a host of cuttings that range from soccer to tennis, darts and snooker.

I also took a two weeks placement in 2006 at the Press Association as part of my degree.

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Is that all you did during college? No internships? No part-time work at a paper while in college? I'm just wondering. Because if that's the case, then you are way behind. That said, you should send clips, cover letters and resumes everywhere, to papers big and small (and Web sites and wire services), in North America and Europe or wherever else you're willing to live. You'll have a hard time finding work over here, given the economy and your apparent lack of experience, but you never know. Also, familiarize yourself with football (the American variety) and baseball because there's not much snooker coverage over here.

I have a host of cuttings that range from soccer to tennis, darts and snooker.

I also took a two weeks placement in 2006 at the Press Association as part of my degree.

Click to expand...

Is that all you did during college? No internships? No part-time work at a paper while in college? I'm just wondering. Because if that's the case, then you are way behind. That said, you should send clips, cover letters and resumes everywhere, to papers big and small (and Web sites and wire services), in North America and Europe or wherever else you're willing to live. You'll have a hard time finding work over here, given the economy and your apparent lack of experience, but you never know. Also, familiarize yourself with football (the American variety) and baseball because there's not much snooker coverage over here.

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At Uni we were required to take the one placement which counted as one of our modules.

A writer wrote: Is that all you did during college? No internships? No part-time work at a paper while in college? I'm just wondering. Because if that's the case, then you are way behind.

-- Give me a break with your way behind comments. Some people study in college or even play sports. You can do all the internships you want in college, but if you suck --you're not going to get a job. No internships? Wow.

A writer wrote: Is that all you did during college? No internships? No part-time work at a paper while in college? I'm just wondering. Because if that's the case, then you are way behind.

-- Give me a break with your way behind comments. Some people study in college or even play sports. You can do all the internships you want in college, but if you suck --you're not going to get a job. No internships? Wow.

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Maybe I was a bit harsh, but what you do in the newsroom carries a little more weight than what you do in a classroom. Editors want to see clips, not report cards. Who's more likely to get hired: Someone who interned or worked part-time while in school? Or someone who went to the same school, but has no newsroom experience?